The event, which is free of charge, has displayed hundreds of vehicles from across New York State and beyond each year to foster a passion for classic automobiles while supporting local causes. Just like a year ago, donations for this year’s event will benefit the Chautauqua County Veterans Endowment Fund and Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels. Approximately $10,000 was raised for the causes a year ago.

“For as poor of an area as we’re in, it’s amazing how generous people are,” said Dale Davis, President of the Lake Shore Street Rod Association.

The Lake Shore Street Rod Association was founded more than five decades ago by a group of seven individuals who shared their love of automobiles. The group now maintains more than 50 active members. The Harbor Cruise is one of many fundraisers the group holds each year, with the proceeds from each of the shows the group attends donated to local causes.

The Harbor Cruise does not require a fee upon entry, as opposed to many other car shows. Instead, guests are encouraged to offer donations to benefit local causes. The Lake Shore Street Rod Association does not take a profit from its annual event.

OBSERVER file photo Classic cars line up at Point Gratiot during a previous year’s Harbor Cruise event.

This year’s event will follow the same format as a year ago, including prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle that will be held throughout the afternoon. The event will also feature live music by HooMan and D.J. Ray The Fat Man Heron.

Food vendors will be on site, including a chicken barbecue by Mike Porpiglia. Vendors include La Casa D’Mangia Inc., Tony’s Concessions, Stockton Hotel, Westfield Main Diner, Arly & Izzy’s, Charlie’s Curly Fries, Main Street Ice Cream, and Old Fashioned Lemonade.

“Everything we do, we try to use vendors within the county. We try to do it to benefit Chautauqua County in general,” Davis said.

Davis has been affiliated with the Street Rods for approximately a decade, with time as an event coordinator, as well. He credited the City of Dunkirk for its willingness to support the event each year.

“Dunkirk has been a really good partner with us to get this thing done. Hats off to Dunkirk, they have worked right along with us over the years. We’re very appreciative. If we didn’t have a decent spot to have this, you could never make it fly,” Davis said.

While the event comes together every year, it is not a quick and easy process. Davis stated the planning begins each year in January, with sponsorships and distribution of flyers coming together months before the event. But as Davis noted, it would all be for nothing if there was not a place to hold such an event, and Point Gratiot is as good as it gets in our region.

“It’s such a great location. People love it down there, you’re right on the waterfront. It’s really a local jewel,” Davis said.

Major sponsors for the event include Shults Resale Center Dunkirk; Fredonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Fredonia Ford Inc.; Lakeside Precision Inc.; The Ark Shop – Arkwright Printing Co. Inc.; and Zambotti Collision. Additional contributors include Molson USA, Walmart, and Salerno Motor Sports.

For more information, call (716) 870-2339.